Countdown to Kickoff: The Storied #44
8/5/2002 9:31:11 AM | Football
The number first gained its reputation of greatness in the mid-1950’s when Jim Brown, who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland Browns, lined up in the backfield for SU. The legacy of #44 grew when All-Americans Ernie Davis and Floyd Little wore the number. Other notable Syracuse running backs to have the honor of wearing #44 include 1958 Orange Bowl participant Tom Stephens, Michael Owens, a member of Syracuse’s 1,000 yard single-season club, and Terry Richardson, who led the team in rushing in 1993.
The most recent player to don the storied number is fullback Rob Konrad. The much-heralded recruit from Massachusetts was awarded the honor and certainly lived up to its reputation.
The number 44 has extended its influence into other aspects of the Syracuse community. Basketball All-Americans Dan Schayes, Derrick Coleman and John Wallace all wore the number. The university zip code is 13244 and the university phone exchange is 443.
Syracuse kicks off the 2002 season on August 29 in Provo, Utah against Brigham Young. The Orangemen will open the home portion of their schedule on September 7 when they host North Carolina in the Carrier Dome. For tickets call 888-DOMETIX or visit www.dometix.com.
